5 Smart Ways to Keep Your Campervan Cool This Summer
Are you embarking on a family adventure across to mainland Europe in your campervan, but anxious about how you might all cope with the high temperatures? The scorching heat of summer can turn your cosy home-on-wheels into a sweltering sauna, but in this blog post I will share five effective strategies to beat the heat and maintain a cool oasis in your campervan during your European travels.
Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for the heat: This one sounds obvious, but staying cool also depends on personal factors. Remember to:
Drink plenty of water: Opt for insulated water bottles to keep drinks refreshingly cold on the move and consider keeping some water in the fridge for when you return to your campervan/motorhome. If you are travelling with a dog, make sure you have a separate water container for them when you are out exploring. Generally water in mainland Europe is safe to drink straight from the tap. However, if it is not then this is likely to be in very remote areas, or it will be clearly labelled as ‘Not Suitable for Drinking’. You might wish to consider using a slimline water filter jug to keep your water cold and clearn. You can find more information about the water quality in the countries you plan on visiting here.
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight and helps you stay cool.
Stay cool at night: Use organic cotton sheets to sleep on/under. These are breathable and absorb moisture.
2. Park Strategically: Most European campsites will have pitches in the shade, so choose shaded parking spots whenever possible. Look for trees, tall buildings, or natural formations that can provide shade and shield your vehicle from direct sunlight. Parking in shaded areas can significantly reduce the heat buildup inside your campervan too, so take the opportunity to open windows to circulate air in your campervan/motorhome, or opt to open windows on the shaded side of your van. If you have a roof vent/ or vents in your pop-up roof, then make sure these are open. Heat rises, so keeping these open will allow the warm air built up in your campervan/motorhome to escape.
Where possible park alongside lakes, or the ocean. Having a body of water that you can access for regular swims will help. Alternatively, get creative with how you can cool yourself down - cold flannels in the fridge, fill your washing up bowl with cold water to soak your feet in, or enjoy an ice lolly in the shade. For European vanlife essentials, click here.
3: Use External Canopies or Sun Shades: Set up external canopies, or sun shades to create additional shaded areas around your campervan/motorhome. These extensions create larger shaded areas, keeping your motorhome cooler during the day. You can also attach fabric shades, or sun blockers to your sun shade to reflect/block out the sun while maintaining airflow, helping you stay cool and comfortable.
4: Use Reflective Window Coverings: Cover your windows with reflective shades, blinds, or curtains to block out the sun's rays. Reflective coverings can help minimize heat gain and keep the interior cooler. Additionally, consider investing in thermal window blinds/curtains to further reduce heat transmission. The one shown here is from Rainbow Screens, or more recently we have one from Custom Camping.
5: Use Portable Fans: Portable fans are a great solution for on-the-go cooling. Place fans strategically inside your motorhome to enhance air circulation. Consider using battery-operated or USB-powered fans for versatility, or a Portable Air Cooler. Hot air rises, so make sure fans are strategically positioned to blow cool air in and enable the hot air to escape. For example, place fans near open windows in the shade. Consider using portable fans in sleeping areas to enhance comfort during the night particularly.
